The home study program shall serve as an alternative to the regular classroom program of instruction. Any involvement with regular classroom programs and/or utilization of specialized school facilities will be made available by the home study coordinator in consultation with the school site principal and district superintendent in accordance with the student's specific contract objectives. A program of home study must adhere to the following guidelines:

The home study coordinator or designee shall act as the supervisor of the home study program and be an employee of the district.

An educational plan is required for each semester the student is enrolled in home study and must be agreed upon and signed by the student (when appropriate), home study coordinator, parent/guardian, and any other person other than school staff who is supervising the student. This educational plan will be kept on file at the home study office. The parent and student will also receive a copy of the plan.

By law, the educational plan for each student must represent the equivalent of a minimum school day for the student's grade level and shall include subjects required. Specifically, kindergartens are expected to devote 15 hours a week to school work and children in grades 1-6 are expected to devote 20 hours a week to schoolwork.

All home study assignments must be satisfactorily completed prior to the last day of the contract period.

Records shall be maintained that indicate the names of all students enrolled and the number of students passing or failing home study.

Application for enrollment in the home study program is made to the coordinator and the parties shall agree upon:

Acceptable educational objectives and the means of achieving them.

Program activities and time line for the completion of assignments and objectives.

Evidence that the proposed program will be pursued.

Availability of certificated staff to effectively supervise the student.

The home student contract, signed by all concerned parties, shall include the following:

A statement that home study is an optional educational alternative in which no student may be required to participate.

The names of the student, supervisor and persons other than school staff who will be supervising the student.

Grade level and/or tide and objectives of the year/course.

The specific resources including materials and personnel which will be made available to the student to achieve objectives.

Process by which objectives and competencies are to be evaluated.

Procedures, time and place for reporting progress plus a tentative schedule of conferences/communications between the student, parent/guardian and supervisor.

A time line for achieving objectives and completing the contract.

The number of missed assignments (3) and/or appointments (3) allowed before an evaluation is conducted to determine whether it is in the best interest of a student to remain in home study.

A description of methods for obtaining assistance or tutoring as needed to achieve objectives.

Participation in all district standardized and competency testing.

Successful completion of the contract will give the student one half year credit/year credit in the grade level designated in the contract.

In the event that a dispute arises related to the contract, credit approval or other matters, the parents/guardian shall have the right to appeal to the school site principal and then the district superintendent. If the dispute still continues, the Governing Board shall make a final decision.

There are two categories of students who may apply to the home study program.

Students enrolling at the request of a classroom teacher and/or school site principal for reasons of discipline, extended travel or other compelling reasons.

Students enrolling at the request of parents/guardians. These students may or may not have been enrolled in a public school prior to application for home study.

Enrollment procedure is as follows:

School Initiated:

A conference between the classroom teacher and/or school site principal and the parents/guardians shall be required.

The program shall be explained to the parents and student and a decision reached.

Parent Initiated:

Parents/guardians may apply directly to the home study coordinator.

The program shall be explained to the parents and student and a decision reached.

Placement Decision

The decision whether to place a child in the home study program shall be made by the home study coordinator in consultation with the school site principal and the district superintendent. If the parent/guardian disagrees with the decision, they may appeal it to the Governing Board.

For more information about the District's Home Study program, please contact the District Office at 542-0550.